fits four- or five-string mandolins for a very
even output. In the neck and bridge positions,
they function as single-coils, but they become
a true humbucker in the center position. The
tone of this center position can be catered to
taste by raising or lowering the pickups.
Let’s Take Her for a Spin
I tested the EMC by plugging it into an L.R.
Baggs direct box and then into a PA. Then I
went caveman, plugging it straight into my
guitar amp. My conclusion is that it’s a very
cool e-mando, but that it’s probably not
going to fool anybody into thinking they’re
listening to a well mic’d acoustic mandolin.
But that’s not the point. The EMC’s unique
tones put a very cool spin on mandolin parts.
I liked it best run straight into my guitar rig.
The output is on par with a medium-output
electric guitar, and the effects that I usu-
ally use with my electric guitars added a fun
dimension. If you’re in a situation where you
need to switch between electric guitar and
mandolin—or if you’re primarily an electric
guitarist but you’ve been looking for a way to
mix things up in your band—the EMC is a very
practical tool. My favorite tone was the neck
pickup, with the tone knob rolled back a bit.
Although I experimented with other pickup
settings, once I found that one, I didn’t move.
My band’s front-of-house man liked the ease
of this system because, rather than running
a separate mandolin line and having to un-
mute the mando line when I switched, he just
sat back and listened as my mandolin parts
blasted from my guitar amp. I loved the ease
of switching. My mandolin mix was exactly like
my guitar mix, and I could control my volume
you play mandolin with a
loud band.
Buy If...
Skip If...
you are a full-time bluegrass player.
JBovier
Street $679 (w/padded gig bag)
jbovier.net
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for solos just like I can with my guitar. In short,
the EMC eliminates many of the technical
hassles guitar players face when switching
between guitar and mandolin.
The Final Mojo
JBovier has taken a good idea from Fender’s
heyday and made it actually work. For a gigging electric player who needs a mandolin
part to cut over a loud drummer, the EMC is a
practical and affordable solution. I loved it.
Peace, love, and
Alnico Magnets.
The specially tuned Alnico II magnet
replicated from the best sounding
original late 50’s magnets in the
A2 Black Belt ensures that your
tone will stay smooth and sweet.
http://motorcitypickups.com
HAND MADE PICKUPS FROM THE HEART OF DETROIT HAND MADE PICKUPS FROM THE HEART OF DETROIT
